Thursday, November 8, 2012

WEEKEND IN MANHATTAN

I love the title of this piece. It does sound like a Woody Allen flick, doesn’t it? It’s not. I spent last weekend in New York, just days after the storm that changed millions of lives on the Eastern seaboard. I stayed in midtown Manhattan, and if I hadn’t seen news reports of Hurricane Sandy, I would never have known there was a storm just days earlier.

Therein is the irony that is New York and surrounding areas right now. In Manhattan it’s life as usual, except for the blocks-long lines at gas stations. Those lines will diminish as power is restored to regional refineries, and reports are that many of them have already been re-energized. So that means that if you happen to be inland from where the storm hit, you can still shop, cocktail, dine, catch a show, pick up groceries and even catch the subway in most locations.

Meanwhile, if you’re in Staten Island, or New Jersey, your life has effectively come to a halt. You have no home, or if you do have a home, you have no heat or electricity and no real indication when utilities will be restored.
For those of us who experienced Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this is déjà vu. Slow governmental response, ineffective FEMA assistance, lack of supplies, ill-equipped shelters, ongoing threats from weather and elements, widespread fire damage, waterlogged furnishings and belongings, shuttered businesses, humiliating living conditions and frustration to the extreme. One woman interviewed on a NYC newscast described her hard hit neighborhood as “Beirut.” A New Jersey man said, “Where’s FEMA? Where’s Obama? Where’s God?” Watch this CNN report from late last week:
While those in outlying areas maneuvered through the sludge that surrounded their decimated homes, in upper Manhattan Lincoln Center was abuzz with the National Chorale’s gala opening concert, the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Turandot, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s John Coltrane festival. Men in pricey suits and women in fake furs and sky-high Christian Louboutins raced up the avenues to meet their friends for dinner.

At the same time in Staten Island, Borough President James Molinaro is just hoping to get power restored to the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, a former detention facility for medium-risk prisoners. If he can do that, several hundred displaced citizens could use it as a shelter, since some of them can’t even get into their cars since their neighbors’ houses are resting on top of them.

So, let’s review: Uptown: furs, heels, fun, concerts and foie gras. Coastal areas: homelessness, depression, freezing cold, hopelessness and fear. It is astounding how polarized life can be among those who live just miles apart from one another.

Heroes emerge: Famously hot-headed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (below, right with President Obama) has maintained a cool, controlled demeanor and worked tirelessly to reassure his constituents

that help is on the way and that they are not alone. He even risked the wrath of his own Republican party by praising President Obama on his response to the catastrophe.
In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has maintained a steady, authoritative voice and strong leadership. Not everyone is in his corner: tens of thousands of runners from as far away as Dubai, Japan and Russia were in the city for the annual NYC marathon, when Bloomberg cancelled it at the last minute. Had he done so when the storm’s devastation became evident days earlier, many of them could have saved the time and money they spent to get to the city for the ill-fated race. The citywide anger at his tardiness was palpable.

Those of us who have been through this nature-infused horror can generally predict what

those most affected by the storm will endure in the coming months and years. Celebrities will rally and raise millions of dollars, but most of those who lost homes, cars, belongings and such will never really see any of that money. In fact, many will question where those millions went.

Legislators in Washington will make crude, insensitive comments about how impractical it is to rebuild along coastlines like the Eastern shores. They will question whether it makes any sense for people to consider living there since they are constantly going to be in harm’s way. They have already started. Here is what Rep. Steve King (R-IA)(right)

had to say just days after the storm, about governmental assistance to victims of the storm: "I want to get them the resources that are necessary. ... But not one big shot to just open up the checkbook because they spent it on Gucci bags and massage parlors and everything you can think of in addition to what was necessary." More reasonable legislators might focus their comments and efforts more on how to immediately relieve those in need. Not Mr. King.

And there’s more: Here is what former FEMA director Michael Brown (“heck of a job Brownie” - below, left) had to say about President Obama’s rapid and immediate response to Hurricane Sandy: “"Why was this so quick? At some point, somebody's going to ask that question. ...

This is like the inverse of Benghazi." He also had this to say: "Hurricane Sandy should teach us to be prepared, willing to live without the modern conveniences of elevators, computers and refrigerators. Hurricane Sandy should teach all of us to chill." Presumably Michael Brown is indeed living with the above-mentioned “conveniences” while storm victims suffer. Since when are communication and food conveniences?

Crackpots will come out of the woodwork and gain media attention with their far-fetched, generally hateful rhetoric. Already Rabbi Noson Leiterfrom upstate NY publicly stated that hurricane Sandy happened because of New York’s passage of legislation that made gay marriage legal. He truly said that.

The difference between Sandy and Katrina is that Katrina affected the whole city of New Orleans. There was damage everywhere. Not so in New York. It was pretty much life as usual last weekend where I was. The problem with that is that over time it may become easier for citizens of the largest city in America to live in semi-denial about the plight of those

just a borough away. If all is well in Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea and the meatpacking district and upper Manhattan, will it be too easy to forget about those in Staten Island, Hoboken, Atlantic City, Coney Island and Westchester County? I hope not, but I know when the headlines die down, so will much of the country’s attention. I saw that here in New Orleans. We became yesterday’s news much sooner than any of us expected.

Meanwhile, by mid week the highly anticipated nor’easter hit hard, actually knocking out power to many of those whose electricity and heat had just been restored after Sandy. Climate change scientists and others [read: Al Gore] are predictably pointing to this crisis as clear evidence of global warming, and rightfully questioning why this issue never saw the light of day during the entire Presidential campaign.
The drama is just beginning. You can help. Click here
to make a donation online. It takes less than one minute. Or, you can text to 90999 to automatically donate $10 to Red Cross hurricane relief, which will be added to your wireless bill. Come on. Just do it.

1 comment:

Paul - Thanks for this and the reminder to many who may not know someone who has been horribly impacted. This note from another friend adds to what can be done: "May I also add when considering a donation, the local fire department of a town that has been devastated. Another worthy cause , In God's Love We Deliver as well as City Harvest. From my friends in Long Island and jersey, they are saying that the Red Cross hasn't found them yet but the local Fire Departments and those mentioned above are delivering food."

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SAY IT AIN'T SO BRIAN

Rule #1 in journalism: The reporter must never become part of the story. If he does, then he cannot objectively report the news. Are you listening Brian Williams? The NBC Nightly News anchor is under fire for lying about being on a helicopter that was shot at in Iraq in 2003. One could say it’s the biggest media industry story that has come along in some time. Now it has been revealed that Williams probably also lied about seeing dead bodies float past his New Orleans French Quarter window while covering Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The problem? The French Quarter did not flood during Katrina, so no body could have floated by. Why Williams finds it necessary to blatantly lie to viewers who have assigned him a Cronkite-like credibility until now is anybody’s guess. Reports say anchor emeritus Tom Brokaw wants Williams fired, but so far NBC is standing by their man. Kudos to NBC for not having a knee-jerk reaction, but truth be told, news reporters must tell the truth. If they do not, then why would we, the consumers believe subsequent stories they tell? All of this follows Williams’ questionable judgment in praising his daughter for her recent role in HBO’s “Girls” in which she performed anal oral sex. Note to Brian Williams: Poll after poll indicates the public does not trust the media. You have added fuel to that fire, and unfortunately you have broken Rule #1. Overall, you are one of the good guys in news broadcasting, and it pains me to say it, but you probably need to step down. (Click on the image above to read a firs-hand account from the pilot of the chopper)

BEWARE THE SANTORUM

I’m sorry to say, “Here we go again.” Rick Santorum is running for President of the United States. Is there really an American who can picture Rick Santorum in the White House? About his current plan to run, Santorum told an interviewer recently, “America loves an underdog. Being underestimated has given me a lot of latitude.” Ugh. Santorum reportedly has a supportive organization called Patriot Voices, which is about 150,000 strong. That’s 150,000 people in a country of about 316 million, according to U.S. Census Bureau 2013 figures. So, while it is unlikely Santorum has a snowball’s chance in hell of becoming the nominee, much less winning the election, we will still have to be subjected to his ongoing tirade against…well, almost everything. Remember, Santorum is the guy who actually said pornography causes brain damage, and who pledges to make it a focus issue of his campaign. Santorum is also the guy who once described contraception as "a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be." He has also compared marriage equality to polygamy; called Obama a snob for wanting all Americans to have an opportunity to go to college; curses “radical feminism” for moms not being at home, where presumably he believes they should be; likened homosexuality to “man on dog” sex. But it is Santorum’s consistently exclusionary and judgmental views on socio-political and economic issues that did him in in 2012 and will likely do so again. Still, ready yourself, because Rick Santorum will be all up in your business for the next couple of years. And yes, you can surely expect to see those God-awful 1973 sweater vests in an an array of colors.

SHAME ON YOU, FORD MOTORS

Some may remember the days when Ford Motor Company used this slogan: “Ford Has a Better Idea.” That was some time ago, but we can safely say now that Ford no longer has better ideas. This week it was revealed that Ford summarily fired 100 employees from its Chicago plant. That would not be huge news, except for the fact that the employees were fired via robocall on Halloween night. Robocall. Imagine finding out from an automated phone call that you just lost your livelihood. And what of those individuals who made the decision to use a robocall to fire the employees? Would he or she or they find it acceptable to lose their jobs in such a thoughtless, impersonal way? Here’s what Ford said about the incident: “We do not typically use Robo call to notify employees of layoffs. The plant elected to use Robo call in this situation because it is temporary in nature and we intend to recall all employees as soon as possible." Unfortunately, the workers were not told the situation was “temporary” or that they would ever be called back to work. Have we stretched the outer limits of technology too far? Yes, we have. For the past couple of years there have been incidences nationwide of employees being fired via text message or email. According to legal experts it is all perfectly legal to fire someone electronically. But legal does not equal humane.

WHEN ART MEETS ART

Crooner Tony Bennett, who is wise enough and musically powerful enough to get away with calling the great American songbook “classical music,” has had some very cool collaborations over the years. Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Aretha, Willy Nelson, Streisand, McCartney, Stevie Wonder, just to name a few. But now he seems to have met his rhapsodic match in none other than Lady Gaga. Listen, art is art. It doesn’t matter that Bennett was born when Calvin Coolidge was President, and Gage entered fully 60 years later. And it doesn’t matter that Bennett’s style is sheer class and smooth sophistication, while nobody dares try to categorize Gaga. What matters is that they have finally found each other and nobody wins bigger than you and me in this lyrical coupling. See for yourself:

Paul A. Greenberg

About Me

Paul Greenberg is a journalist who has been ranting about one thing or another for decades. This blog will be populated by musings about issues, events, people and movements that are important to him...and hopefully to you.

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THIS WEEK'S TALKING HEADS

“Obama doesn’t want America to believe that we’re exceptional,” Schlafly said. “He wants us to be just like everybody else, and if Africa is suffering from Ebola, we ought to join the group and be suffering from it, too. That’s his attitude.” - See more at: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/phyllis-schlafly-obama-intentionally-bringing-ebola-make-america-more-africa#sthash.JpvIa7hO.dpuf

“Obama doesn’t want America to believe that we’re exceptional,” Schlafly said. “He wants us to be just like everybody else, and if Africa is suffering from Ebola, we ought to join the group and be suffering from it, too. That’s his attitude.” - See more at: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/phyllis-schlafly-obama-intentionally-bringing-ebola-make-america-more-africa#sthash.JpvIa7hO.dpuf"Obama doesn't want America to believe that we're exceptional. He wants us to be just like everybody else, and if Africa is suffering from Ebola, we ought to join the group and be suffering from it, too."

“Obama doesn’t want America to believe that we’re exceptional,” Schlafly said. “He wants us to be just like everybody else, and if Africa is suffering from Ebola, we ought to join the group and be suffering from it, too. That’s his attitude.” - See more at: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/phyllis-schlafly-obama-intentionally-bringing-ebola-make-america-more-africa#sthash.JpvIa7hO.d

"I do not believe, and I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the president loves America. He doesn't love you. And he doesn't love me. He wasn't brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country." Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, assessing the current President of the United States.

“I come from a town where all the blacks are getting food stamps and what I call ‘welfare crazy checks,’” They don’t work.” Republican Mississippi State Rep. Gene Alday, who was later roundly criticized by the Governor and head of the state's Republican party, for his racist comments.

"My staff has nicknamed you 'The Duck.' “We say you have a very placid, even way of presenting, but you are just working for justice underneath. Would you quack for us?” MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry, speaking on-air to Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General. Holder declined to "quack."“It would be like asking a Jewish deli to serve bacon-wrapped shrimp, or asking a Muslim to serve up something that is offensive to him, or have dogs in his backyard.” Presumptive 2016 Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, talking about his "moral" objections to allowing gay citizens to marry.

"Plain of feature, and certainly overweight, she was, nevertheless, a woman of wit and warmth." The opening line chosen for Colleen McCullough's obituary in The Australian newspaper. McCullough founded the first department of neurophysiology at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital. She also authored several best selling novels, including "The Thorn Birds," which sold 30 million copies in paperback, 3 million in hardback. Critics dubbed the obit sexist."You know, if I was racing in 2015, no I wouldn’t do it again, because I don’t think you have to do it again. If you take me back to 1995, when it was completely and totally pervasive, I’d probably do it again. People don’t like to hear that."Disgraced 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, discussing the issue of cheating.

"I don't like labels, but if you have to put a label on it, I'm a gay man....It took time to embrace that other part of who I always was." Entertainer Joel Grey, announcing he is gay, at age 82.

'What is the legal difference between a state -- a ban on same-sex marriage being unconstitutional but a ban on polygamy being constitutional? Could you try to articulate how one could be banned under the Constitution and the other not?"Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) questioning U.S. Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch during confirmation hearings.

“Well, I do have some news for you. We're not only swearing. We’re drinking, we’re smoking, we’re having premarital sex with birth control before we go to work, and sometimes boss around a bunch of men.”FOX News Anchor Megyn Kelly responding to her colleague, Mike Huckabee's comments that women who swear are "trashy."